Clutch release shaft bushing

[mrbuick65]

Noticed there is a lot of slop in my clutch release shaft bushing on my 65 GS 4 speed. This is in the bell housing. I`ve heard this is a fiber bushing and is unobtainable. I`m sure the other end of the shaft is the same. Anyone fixed this problem with a bronze or nylon bushing? Any help would be appreciated.
John

[Mark Ascher]

Hi John,

Can you post a pic or two of what piece or pieces you are talking about? I had to have
A couple things welded and machined to tighten it all up. I can also get the fiber washer
For you if you need it.

Mark

[WkillGS]

There is a bushing at the end with the bellcrank. Parts book shows a 'clutch release shaft bushing' in Group 0.795, pn 1356209. A quick search on Google, Buick Farm, and e-Bay didn't show any hits.
Fairly sure the other end is metal-on-metal. Buick did add a grease fitting in the cap plug to lube it, but early cars didn't have the fitting.

Here's a pic I have on file of the shaft bushing:

[Mark Ascher]

The milled areas where the "ball" moves in the arm shown in the pic were worn.
This was welded up and machined to make the ball slide smoothly. Pic 2 shows the
new fiber washer. Walt, that bushing shown in your pic was still good, even after
125K miles. I think John will need to get underneath and find out what the issue
is.

Mark

[mrbuick65]

Walt. That`s exactly where I mean. On the left side on your picture. A lot of slop here. We haven`t taken it apart yet. Have you ever dealt with this bushing?
John

[Mark Ascher]

Better shot of the whole linkage. Don't have any inside the bellhousing shots though.
Photo from Brian Stone.

Mark

[mrbuick65]

Hey Guys. I`m going to remove the bell housing over the winter and see whats going on. May have to get a bronze bushing made. I`ll keep you posted.
John

[wildcat65]

I had a bronze bushing made.  My machine shop had to ream it out a little for it was not aligned perfectly.  Maybe that's why one side was fiber?    Anyway, seems good now.  I should be able to drive my car for the first time soon.